Amir's Citizenship Change Creates PSL Dilemma

Mohammad Amir's acquisition of British citizenship has thrown his Pakistan Super League future into doubt, with the veteran fast bowler now expected to be classified as an overseas player rather than a domestic cricketer ahead of PSL 2027.

What Changed for Amir?

The 34-year-old's British citizenship was confirmed in June 2026 after Nottinghamshire signed him for the 2026 Vitality Blast. The move has already allowed Amir to be treated as a domestic player in English competitions, including a stint with Trent Rockets in the 2026 edition of The Hundred where he replaced David Payne.

Speaking on Wisden's The Scoop Extended, Amir revealed that his new citizenship status would fundamentally affect how he is classified in the PSL. While he enjoyed domestic player status in previous seasons, the passport change means teams will now need to use valuable overseas-player slots to sign him.

Contract Complications for Rawalpindi

Amir played for Rawalpindi in PSL 2026 after being purchased for PKR 5.4 crore in the league's first auction. He was among the franchise's marquee signings alongside pace spearhead Naseem Shah and New Zealand all-rounder Daryl Mitchell.

The complication arises because players retained or bought before PSL 2026 were given two-year contracts covering both the 2026 and 2027 seasons. Under current PSL auction rules, teams can retain up to seven players for PSL 12, while released players return to the auction pool.

The Pakistan Cricket Board has not yet clarified whether Rawalpindi can keep Amir under his existing deal after his status changes. The franchise now faces three potential options: release him, renegotiate his contract, or use an overseas-player slot to retain him.

PCB Clarification Awaited

Reports suggesting that PSL 2027 could be Amir's final season in the league have not been confirmed by the cricketer, PCB or Rawalpindi franchise. For now, what remains clear is that Amir holds a British passport, is treated as a domestic player in England, and is expected to be an overseas player in the PSL.

A formal PCB clarification on his Rawalpindi contract status is still awaited, leaving both the player and franchise in limbo as they prepare for the upcoming season.